Kosovo Prime Minister Accuses Serbia of Backing Attack on Police Officers

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has leveled serious accusations against Serbia, alleging that Belgrade was involved in an attack on police officers in the northern region of the breakaway province. Serbia has vehemently denied these claims and instead suggested that it is Pristina that seeks to escalate tensions.

The attack occurred during the night on Sunday, as reported by Kosovo police in a series of Facebook posts. Unidentified assailants had blocked a bridge leading to the village of Banjska with two trucks that lacked license plates, prompting a police intervention, according to the initial statement. It added that the police units dispatched to the scene came under heavy fire.

Tragically, two police officers were injured in the shootout, with one of them later succumbing to his injuries in the hospital. Throughout Sunday, Kosovo law enforcement officials issued several updates on the situation, describing the area as “tense” and noting that “criminal groups” continued to sporadically attack police units.

The Kosovo police reported that their officers faced off against “professional attackers” armed with “heavy weapons, grenades, [and] some armored vehicles.” At least three assailants were killed in the clashes, and one more was arrested, the police stated. Additionally, a third officer sustained injuries during the operation. Four suspects were also apprehended for illegal possession of radio devices, further suggesting possible links to the attackers.

Prime Minister Kurti took to Facebook to assert that the assailants had received “political, financial, and logistical support from official Belgrade.” He referred to them as “professionals” and even used the term “organized crime” to describe the situation.

Belgrade promptly rejected these allegations, with officials asserting that Pristina stood to gain from an escalation of the situation. Serbian parliament speaker Vladimir Orlic criticized Kurti for hastily blaming the Serbs and suggested that the prime minister possessed detailed knowledge about the attackers and their motives.

Tensions between Serbia and its breakaway province have escalated over the past few weeks, reaching a critical juncture. Last week’s talks between Prime Minister Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic ended in failure, further exacerbating the strained relations. Following the meeting, Kurti accused Belgrade of attempting to undermine “our state,” for which, he claimed, the Serbs “now have to suffer and pay.”

In response, President Vucic accused Western powers of applying double standards in their support for Pristina. He argued that had he made similar statements in Brussels, he would have faced severe consequences in Berlin and Washington, emphasizing the perceived double standards and hypocrisy in the situation.

As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are on President Vucic’s expected statement, which may shed further light on the ongoing crisis before the end of the day. The situation remains fluid and precarious, with diplomatic efforts seemingly stalled, and the region remains on edge.